Trying to figure out Lighting Requirements

[BKFSRS]

This is my first post and I'm a beginner that definitely has the orchid bug. The problem is now I don't know where to place all of my recent acquisitions. I have a south facing window that is covered on the exterior by an overhang. In the winter the sun is direct and lasts until the sun passes the overhang around 2pm. I have the Oncids and Cattleya closest to the sunny window and Phals more in the shade. I have had a Phal in this window for about two years, but sitting back from the window and I also have an ultraviolet window film shade that I can pull down. Based on my research, I think that this may be too much sun for the Phals and maybe even the others. I've tried to attach a photo, but not sure it will work. Any advice will be appreciated. Thanks and love this board!

[billc]

Hi and Welcome!
I'm in lower NY State, probably close to the same latitude as you. I have a big bay window that faces south/ southeast and I can grow oncidium, oncidium intergenerics, catts and phals just fine. I have the oncidium and catts right up against the glass, and the phals sit on a table about a foot to 18 ins away. They get shaded somewhat by the intergenerics but not totally. So you should be ok, just keep an eye on the leaves for signs of sun burn. The dangerous time is mid Feb thru March, The sun gets a lot stronger but is not yet very high in the sky so the plants get get a full dose. I just move them back another 6-12 inches if it's going to be sunny that day. The light levels to the plant drop off dramatically when moved away from the window even a few inches. Good Luck!

Bill

[WhiteRabbit]

if your Phal has been growing in that spot for two years, and hasn't burned during winter, it's not too much light

During winter, I have grown in my south facing window some Catts, some high light Vandaceous, Tolumnias - most show signs of receiving very high light (red or purple tinge or hue on foliage and/or pbulbs), but do great - so long as they are acclimated to the light and don't cook I do believe there are some orchids that won't bloom if they receive 'too much' light, but in most cases, if they aren't burning, they're fine.

That said - if you have east and/or west facing windows, those are probably good for the Oncidiums and Phals (unless windows are excessively shaded)

[Magnus A]

You have got some good input above!

To add something, your window will filter of the Ultra Violet light that do hard damage to the plants. Your problem should be heat buildup in the leaf. The second kind of leaf damage. To prevent this you only need to keap an eye on your plant and feel the leaves with your hand. If they feal warm they are in danger , otherwise they are safe. Take a sunny weekend and just monitor your leaves temperature. If no heat buildup they should be safe.

/M
Damage by UV-light is bleaching of the green color. If ou get yellow or white spot you can have problem with light of high energy wavelenght

[BKFSRS]

Thanks for the responses.

[magicatt]

Just wanted to add, if those blooms are any indication I would say you are doing just fine! What a lovely setup and enviable windows you have...

Just keep an eye out for sunburn spots. But from the look of things you are doing very well indeed.

[BKFSRS]

Thank you, but unfortunately other than the one Phal that I've had for two years and has bloomed twice, the other blooming orchids in the picture have all been acquired within the last few months. So the picture may look quite different in a few months. Every time I see a new variety at the store or online, I have to get it! Definitely have the orchid bug.
I have always kept the solar shade down for the Phal in the past, so that's why I'm trying to figure out how much light I need for the other varieties. I did check some of the leaves for the Oncids closest to the window this weekend and they were warm, so from what I read, this is too much sun. I'm going to try pulling the shade down half way and see if that works.